Connection Between Two Battery Modules of a Battery System

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device for producing an electrically conductive connection between two battery modules of an electrically drivable motor vehicle, comprising at least one clamping unit, which is composed of metal and can be clamped to a connection pole of a battery cell of a battery module or can be clamped to a cell connector that is arranged on the connection pole and that connects the connection pole in an electrically conductive manner to a connection pole of a further battery cell of the battery module.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of PCT International Application No.PCT/EP2015/059481, filed Apr. 30, 2015, which claims priority under 35U.S.C. §119 from German Patent Application No. 10 2014 209 273.6, filedMay 16, 2014, the entire disclosures of which are herein expresslyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an apparatus, to a connecting device and to anassembly for producing an electrically conductive connection between twobattery modules of a battery system, in particular of an electricallydriveable motor vehicle.

In electrically driveable motor vehicles, in particular electricvehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, use is made of battery systemshaving a multiplicity of electrically interconnected secondary batterycells, in particular for supplying electrical energy to electrical drivedevices of the motor vehicles. The secondary battery cells are normally,in order to facilitate installation and uninstallation of a batterysystem, combined to form battery modules which are electricallyinterconnected.

For the electrical interconnection of battery modules, use isconventionally made of detachable connections, such as for example screwconnections with cable eyelets or plug-type connections, which arearranged at terminal poles of battery cells of battery modules to beconnected to one another. Both in the case of screw connections and inthe case of plug-type connections, the terminal poles of the batterycells must be specially prepared for the integration of the respectiveconnecting technique into the construction of a battery system,specifically in order to make it possible either for torques of athreaded bolt during a screw connection process to be accommodated orfor a plug connector housing or a plug connector blade to be connectedto the terminal poles.

It is an object of the invention for a space-saving connectingtechnique, which is easy to realize, for the production of anelectrically conductive connection between two battery modules of abattery system to be provided or to serve as a separating device withina module.

The apparatus according to the invention for producing an electricallyconductive connection between two battery modules of a battery system,in particular of an electrically driveable motor vehicle, comprises atleast one clamping unit composed of metal, which at least one clampingunit can be fixedly clamped to a terminal pole of a battery cell of abattery module, or which at least one clamping unit can be fixedlyclamped to a cell connector which is arranged on the terminal pole andwhich connects the terminal pole to a terminal pole of a further batterycell of the battery module in electrically conductive fashion.

According to the invention, an electrically conductive connectionbetween two battery modules of a battery system can be realized using atleast one clamping unit, whereby at least one conventional screwconnection or plug-type connection can be omitted, such that nomodification of terminal poles is necessary for the integration of theseconventional connecting techniques. This is associated with aconsiderably simplified realization of the connecting techniqueaccording to the invention. Conventional screw connections or plug-typeconnections require a relatively large structural space, in particularin the case of high current carrying capacities. In comparison withthis, the connecting technique according to the invention can berealized in a considerably more space-saving manner. Also, in the caseof the connecting technique according to the invention, there is no needfor additional assembly space to be planned in, for example for themanipulation of a conventional screw connection. Although morespace-saving connecting solutions are known from the prior art, theelectrical connections realized here are, owing to their relativelysmall size, generally greatly limited in terms of their current carryingcapacity, or generate a considerable amount of heat during operationowing to their transition resistance, which heat can lead to adeterioration in cell power and to safety-critical states of batterycells and to failure of the electrically conductive connection.

The apparatus according to the invention may also comprise two or moreclamping units which can each be fixedly clamped to a terminal pole of abattery cell of a battery module or to a cell connector which isarranged on the terminal pole and which connects the terminal pole to aterminal pole of a further battery cell of the battery module inelectrically conductive fashion.

The clamping unit may for example be formed at least partially fromcopper.

With the use of the connecting technique according to the invention, itis for example possible for an arrangement of a blade on a cellcontacting system for the electrically conductive connection of batterymodules to be omitted. Instead, it is possible to realize directelectrical contacting with a terminal or with a cell connector. In thisway, less structural space is required than in the case of correspondingconventional plug-type connections or screw connections with highcurrent carrying capacities. Furthermore, by way of the clamping unit, alarger transmission surface can be provided than in the case ofconventional plug-type connections or screw connections with highcurrent carrying capacities, whereby it is possible, even in arelatively small structural space, for high electrical currents to betransmitted without intense generation of heat. Furthermore, by way ofthe clamping unit, it is possible for a larger number of contact pointsto be provided, which in the calculation in accordance with theconstriction resistance is one of the two design criteria for aplug-type contact aside from the clamping force, than in the case ofconventional plug-type connections or screw connections with highcurrent carrying capacities, whereby it is possible, even in arelatively small structural space, for high electrical currents to betransmitted without intense generation of heat.

In one advantageous refinement, the clamping unit is of U-shaped orC-shaped form, wherein the clamping unit has two clamping limbs and aweb which connects the clamping limbs to one another, and wherein, whenthe clamping unit is fixedly clamped to the terminal pole or to the cellconnector, the clamping limbs and/or the web are/is elasticallydeformed, so as to generate a restoring force, as a result of contactwith the terminal pole or with the cell connector. Owing to the elasticdeformation of the clamping limbs and/or of the web, or the restoringforce generated as a result, a clamping force is generated which issufficient to be able to fix the clamping unit captively to a terminalpole or to a cell connector. Owing to the U-shaped or C-shaped design ofthe clamping unit, said clamping unit can be plugged onto a terminalpole or a cell connector such that the clamping unit engages at leastpartially around the terminal pole or the cell connector.

It is advantageously the case that at least one clamping limb has atleast two spring lamellae which are arranged so as to run transverselywith respect to the web, spaced apart from one another and parallel toone another. In this way, the clamping limb which is equipped with thespring lamellae can optimally adapt to the respective shaping of aterminal pole or of a cell connector in order to be able to provide aslarge as possible a contact surface for the transmission of electricalcurrent. A clamping limb may also have more than two, for example 8, 9or 10, spring lamellae. It is also possible for both clamping limbs tohave corresponding spring lamellae.

It is preferably the case that at least one spring lamella has at leasttwo sub-lamellae which are arranged so as to run transversely withrespect to the web, spaced apart from one another and parallel to oneanother. This permits an even more precise adaptation of the contactsurface between the clamping unit or the clamping limbs thereof and aterminal pole or a cell connector. A spring lamella may also have threeor more sub-lamellae.

It is preferably the case that, on at least one spring lamella, there isformed a bead which runs in a longitudinal direction of the springlamella. In this way, the normal force or clamping force that can beapplied by a spring lamella can be varied, in particular increased, inorder to improve a clamped seat of the clamping unit on a terminal poleor on a cell connector. It is also possible for a corresponding bead tobe formed on two or more, in particular all, of the spring lamellae.

It is advantageously the case that, on at least two spring lamellae,there is formed in each case at least one bead, wherein the springlamellae differ from one another in terms of the shaping of theirrespective beads. By way of this variation of the clamping forces, theclamping forces that can be applied by way of externally situated springlamellae can be greater than the clamping forces that can be applied byway of internally situated spring lamellae. This permits a fineadjustment of the clamping forces that can be generated by way of theclamping unit.

In a further advantageous refinement, the apparatus comprises at leastone coating, which can be arranged electrically between the terminalpole and the clamping unit, for reducing the electrical transitionresistance between the terminal pole and the clamping unit, between theterminal pole and the cell connector or between the cell connector andthe clamping unit. By way of the coating which reduces a transitionresistance, it is possible for a transition resistance to be reduced inorder to reduce heat generation at a transition between the terminalpole and the clamping unit, between the terminal pole and the cellconnector or between the cell connector and the clamping unit. It isalso possible for in each case one corresponding coating to be arrangedboth between the terminal pole and the cell connector and between thecell connector and the clamping unit.

A further advantageous refinement provides that the apparatus has atleast one protective section, which at least one protective section isarranged on that side of the web of the clamping unit which faces towardthe terminal pole or toward the cell connector, and which at least oneprotective section is formed by a section of a cell contacting system,and which at least one protective section is at least partially providedwith shock protection ribs at least at an edge facing toward a clampinglimb. In this way, it is possible to realize a required shock protectionmeans in a simple manner and using a conventionally provided componentof a battery system. Through the use of an existing component of abattery system to realize a shock protection means, it is not necessaryto provide additional structural space for the protective section. Theprotective section serves to permit installation and uninstallation ofthe clamping unit without electric shocks.

In a further advantageous refinement, the apparatus comprises at leastone contacting unit which is connectable in electrically conductivefashion to the web of the clamping unit and by means of which theclamping unit is connectable in electrically conductive fashion to aflexible electrical conductor. The contacting unit can be connected tothe web of the clamping unit by way of a welded connection or by way ofa crimped connection. The contacting unit may be of flat and thusspace-saving form.

In a further advantageous refinement, the apparatus comprises at leastone housing which accommodates the clamping unit and which is composedof electrically insulating material and which has two elasticallydeformable protective limbs which are arranged parallel to one anotherand to the clamping limbs, wherein, on at least one protective limb, ona side of the protective limb which faces toward the respective otherprotective limb, there is arranged at least one protective rib whichruns parallel to the spring lamellae and which engages from the outsidebetween two mutually adjacently arranged spring lamellae in such a waythat, when the clamping unit is not fixedly clamped to the terminal poleor to the cell connector, the spacing between the protective rib and theprotective limb situated opposite said protective rib is smaller thanthe spacing of the spring lamellae to the clamping limb situatedopposite said spring lamellae, and in such a way that, when the clampingunit is fixedly clamped to the terminal pole or to the cell connector,the spacing between the protective rib and the protective limb situatedopposite said protective rib is equal to the spacing of the springlamellae to the clamping limb situated opposite said spring lamellae.Since it is the case that, when the clamping unit is not fixedly clampedto the terminal pole or to the cell connector, the spacing between theprotective rib, which engages between two mutually adjacently arrangedspring lamellae, and the protective limb situated opposite saidprotective rib is smaller than the spacing of the spring lamellae to theclamping limb situated opposite said spring lamellae, it is the casethat, when the clamping unit is not fixedly clamped to the terminal poleor to the cell connector, the protective rib forms a shock protectionmeans in a space-saving manner. When the clamping unit is plugged onto aterminal pole or a cell connector, the protective rib is forced outward,with elastic deformation of the respective protective limb, such that aclamping limb of the clamping unit can come into physical contact withthe terminal pole or with the cell connector. It is also possible fortwo or more corresponding protective ribs to be arranged on a protectivelimb. It is also possible for both protective limbs to be equipped withcorresponding protective ribs. As electrically insulating material, usemay be made, in particular, of plastic or a fiber composite plastic. Theprotective ribs may engage between shock protection ribs of a protectivesection, formed by a section of a cell contacting system, of theapparatus, in order to further improve the shock protection action.

It is advantageously the case that at least two protective ribs whichrun parallel to the spring lamellae are arranged spaced apart from oneanother on the protective limb, wherein those ends of the protectiveribs which are averted from the web of the clamping unit are connectedto one another by way of a common connecting web. In this way, theprotective ribs are connected to one another to form a unit, which isassociated with easier manipulation of the protective ribs and easierhandling of the apparatus.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that the apparatus has atleast one housing which accommodates the clamping unit and which iscomposed of electrically insulating material and which has twoprotective limbs arranged parallel to one another and to the clampinglimbs and has at least one protective section which runs on that side ofthe web of the clamping unit which faces toward the cell connector andparallel to the web of the clamping unit, wherein at least oneprotective projection which runs parallel to the protective limbs isarranged on that side of the protective section which faces toward thecell connector. The protective projection renders the clamping unitsubstantially inaccessible from the connecting side of the housing, inorder to realize a shock protection means in a space-saving manner. Theprotective section may also have two or more protective projectionsprojecting in the longitudinal direction of the protective projection inthe direction of the cell connector. The protective section of thehousing may interact with a section of a cell contacting system in orderto improve the shock protection action. As electrically insulatingmaterial, use may be made in particular of plastic or of a fibercomposite material.

The connecting device according to the invention for producing anelectrically conductive connection between two battery modules of abattery system, in particular of an electrically driveable motorvehicle, comprises at least one flexible electrical conductor and atleast one apparatus according to one of the abovementioned refinementsor any desired combination thereof, which at least one apparatus isconnected in electrically conductive fashion to the flexible electricalconductor. The advantages and embodiments mentioned above in conjunctionwith the apparatus are correspondingly associated with the connectingdevice.

Owing to the flexibility of the electrical conductor, by contrast to theconventional use of rigid connections, tolerance compensation ispossible between the battery modules or battery cells thereof that areto be electrically connected to one another. The connecting device mayalso have two apparatuses which are connected in electrically conductivefashion to one another by way of a flexible electrical conductor.

The assembly according to the invention for producing an electricallyconductive connection between two battery modules of a battery system,in particular of an electrically driveable motor vehicle, comprises atleast one cell connector by way of which terminal poles of two batterycells of a battery module are connectable to one another in electricallyconductive fashion, and at least one apparatus according to one of theabovementioned refinements or any desired combination thereof. Theadvantages and embodiments mentioned above in conjunction with theapparatus are correspondingly associated with the assembly.

The clamping unit of the apparatus may in this case be connected inelectrically conductive fashion by way of the cell connector to aterminal pole of a battery cell. The assembly may also have two or moreapparatuses. Furthermore, the assembly may have a connecting device asmentioned above.

In an advantageous refinement, the assembly comprises at least onehousing which accommodates the clamping unit and which is composed ofelectrically insulating material and which has two protective limbsarranged parallel to one another and to the clamping limbs, wherein theprotective limbs are connected to one another by way of at least oneprotective rib which runs transversely with respect to the protectivelimbs and which runs on that side of the web of the clamping unit whichfaces toward the cell connector,

-   -   wherein the clamping limbs are of identical form and each have        spring lamellae, wherein, on the cell connector, there is formed        at least one recess which is open in the direction of the web of        the clamping unit and which is aligned with mutually oppositely        situated free spaces between in each case two mutually        adjacently arranged spring lamellae of the clamping limbs,        wherein the protective rib runs through the free spaces and        through the recess, wherein the protective rib is designed such        that it forms, on that side of the housing which faces toward        the cell connector, a receptacle which is arranged within a        receptacle formed on that side of the clamping unit which faces        toward the cell connector.

By way of the protective rib or the receptacle, which is delimited bythe protective rib, on that side of the web of the clamping unit whichfaces toward the cell connector, a shock protection means conforming toIPXXB is formed in a space-saving manner. The protective limbs may alsobe connected to one another by way of two or more protective ribs,wherein the number must be correspondingly adapted to free spacesbetween adjacent spring lamellae and to receptacles on the cellconnector. The protective ribs may interact with a section of a cellcontacting system of a battery system in order to improve the shockprotection action. As electrically insulating material, use may be madein particular of plastic or of a fiber composite material.

In a further advantageous refinement, the cell connector has at leastone connecting section, which at least one connecting section is ofsubstantially M-shaped form in longitudinal section and which at leastone connecting section has two connecting blades which run parallel tothe clamping limbs and by way of which the cell connector is connectableto the terminal pole, wherein at least one clamping unit can be fixedlyclamped to at least one connecting blade. The connecting blades may bedesigned to be considerably narrower than a terminal pole of a batterycell. The cell connector may, in order to produce its respectiveshaping, be punched out of a metal sheet and deformed. The connectingblades may be used both in the case of parallel-connected cells and inthe case of series-connected cells.

It is advantageously the case that at least one clamping unit of theapparatus can be fixedly clamped to each connecting blade, wherein theclamping units are accommodated in a common housing of the assembly,wherein each clamping unit is arranged between in each case twoprotective limbs, which run parallel to the clamping limbs of theclamping units and are arranged spaced apart from one another, of thehousing, wherein all protective limbs of the housing are connected toone another by way of a common web of the housing. The clamping unitsarranged on the connecting blades can be designed to be considerablysmaller than a clamping unit arranged directly on a terminal pole. Theprotective limbs of the housing form a shock protection means, inparticular because the protective limbs which enclose a clamping unitbetween them are arranged relatively close together. The housing isformed from an electrically insulating material, in particular plasticor fiber composite material.

A further advantageous refinement provides that at least one clampingunit and the cell connector are designed such that the clamping unit isconnectable to the cell connector by way of a clip-type connection. Thisprovides reliable protection against automatic release of the clampingunit from the cell connector. Furthermore, the housing of the apparatusmay be connected to a cell contacting system of a battery system by wayof a detent mechanism.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will emergefrom the following description and from the figures, in which:

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description of one ormore preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an exemplary embodiment of anapparatus according to the invention arranged on a terminal pole of abattery cell,

FIG. 2 shows an end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary embodimentof an apparatus according to the invention arranged on a terminal poleof a battery cell,

FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary embodimentof an apparatus according to the invention arranged on a terminal poleof a battery cell,

FIG. 5 shows a perspective detail view of a clamping unit of a furtherexemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary embodimentof an apparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 7 shows an end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 shows an end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6, in a freestate,

FIG. 9 shows an end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6, in a fixedlyclamped state,

FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional illustration of a further exemplaryembodiment of an apparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 11 is a perspective quarter-section illustration of an exemplaryembodiment of an assembly according to the invention,

FIG. 12 is a sectional illustration of a further exemplary embodiment ofan assembly according to the invention,

FIG. 13 is a perspective, partially sectional illustration of theassembly shown in FIG. 12,

FIG. 14 is a sectional illustration of a further exemplary embodiment ofan assembly according to the invention,

FIG. 15 is a perspective quarter-section illustration of the assemblyshown in FIG. 14,

FIG. 16 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary embodimentof an assembly according to the invention, and

FIG. 17 is a perspective detail illustration of the assembly shown inFIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the figures, identical components are denoted by the same referencedesignations.

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an exemplary embodiment of anapparatus 3 for producing an electrically conductive connection betweentwo battery modules of a battery system (not illustrated in any moredetail) of an electrically driveable motor vehicle according to theinvention, said apparatus being arranged on a terminal pole 1, which isformed from aluminum, of a battery cell 2. The apparatus 3 comprises aclamping unit 4 composed of metal, which clamping unit is fixedlyclamped to the terminal pole 1 of the battery cell 2 of a batterymodule.

The clamping unit 4 is of U-shaped or C-shaped form, as can be seen inparticular from FIG. 2. The clamping unit 4 has two clamping limbs 5 and6 and has a web 7 which connects the clamping limbs 5 and 6 to oneanother. When the clamping unit 4 is fixedly clamped to the terminalpole 1, the clamping limbs 5 and 6 and/or the web 7 are/is elasticallydeformed, with a restoring force being generated, owing to physicalcontact with the terminal pole 1. The clamping limbs 5 and 6 each have amultiplicity of spring lamellae 8 which are arranged so as to runtransversely with respect to the web 7, spaced apart from one anotherand parallel to one another.

Between the terminal pole 1 and the clamping unit 4, there may bearranged at least one coating (not illustrated in any more detail) forreducing the electrical transition resistance between the terminal pole1 and the clamping unit 4. The coating may be cohesively connected tothe terminal pole 1 and/or to the clamping unit 4. It is also possiblefor both that side of the clamping unit 4 which faces toward theterminal pole 1 and that side of the terminal pole 1 which faces towardthe clamping unit 4 to each be at least partially provided with acorresponding coating.

FIG. 2 shows an end view of the apparatus 3 and clamping unit 4 shown inFIG. 1. The clamping unit 4 is connected in electrically conductivefashion, and physically, to the terminal pole 1 in three contactingregions 9, 10 and 11. The coating may be arranged in the contactingregion 9, 10 and/or 11.

FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary embodimentof an apparatus 12 according to the invention for producing anelectrically conductive connection between two battery modules of abattery system (not illustrated in any more detail) of an electricallydriveable motor vehicle, said apparatus being arranged on a terminalpole 1 of a battery cell 2. The apparatus 12 comprises a clamping unit 4composed of metal which is fixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1 of thebattery cell 2 and which is designed correspondingly to FIGS. 1 and 2.The apparatus 12 furthermore comprises a contacting unit 13 which isillustrated in transparent form, which contacting unit is connected inelectrically conductive fashion to the web 7 of the clamping unit 4 andby way of which contacting unit the clamping unit 4 is connected inelectrically conductive fashion to a flexible electrical conductor cable14.

FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary embodimentof an apparatus 94 according to the invention for producing anelectrically conductive connection between two battery modules of abattery system (not illustrated in any more detail) of an electricallydriveable motor vehicle, said apparatus being arranged on a terminalpole 1 of a battery cell 2. The apparatus 94 comprises a clamping unit 4composed of metal which is fixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1 of thebattery cell 2 of a battery module and which is designed correspondinglyto FIGS. 1 to 3. The apparatus 94 furthermore comprises a contactingunit 13 which is illustrated in transparent form, which contacting unitis connected in electrically conductive fashion to the web 7 of theclamping unit 4 and by way of which contacting unit the clamping unit 4is connected in electrically conductive fashion to an electricalconductor cable 14 and which contacting unit is designed correspondinglyto FIG. 3. Furthermore, the apparatus 94 comprises a housing 15 which isillustrated in transparent form, which housing surrounds the clampingunit 4 and the contacting unit 13.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective detail view of a clamping unit 4 of a furtherexemplary embodiment of an apparatus 98 according to the invention. Oneach spring lamella 8 there is formed a bead 16 which runs in alongitudinal direction of the respective spring lamella 8, wherein thespring lamellae 8 differ from one another in terms of the shaping oftheir respective beads 16 such that a greater clamping force can begenerated by way of the outer spring lamellae 8 shown on the left and onthe right than by way of central spring lamellae 8. The beads 16 extendinto the region of the web 7 of the clamping unit 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary embodimentof an apparatus 17 according to the invention for producing anelectrically conductive connection between two battery modules of abattery system (not illustrated in any more detail) of an electricallydriveable motor vehicle. The apparatus 17 comprises a clamping unit 4composed of metal, which clamping unit can be fixedly clamped to theterminal pole 1, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, of the battery cell 2 of abattery module, and which clamping unit is designed correspondingly toFIGS. 1 to 4. Furthermore, the apparatus 17 comprises a housing 18 whichaccommodates the clamping unit 4, which is of U-shaped or C-shaped formand which is composed of electrically insulating material, which housinghas two elastically deformable protective limbs 19 and 20, which arearranged parallel to one another and to the clamping limbs 5 and 6, anda web 22, which connects the protective limbs 19 and 20 to one another.On each protective limb 19 and 20, on a side of the protective limb 19or 20 which faces toward the respective other protective limb 20 or 19,there are arranged multiple protective ribs 21 which run parallel to thespring lamellae 8 and which engage in each case from the outside betweentwo mutually adjacently arranged spring lamellae 8 in such a way that,when the clamping unit 4 is not fixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1,the spacing between the protective ribs 21 and the protective limb 20 or19 situated opposite said protective ribs is smaller than the spacing ofthe spring lamellae 8 to the clamping limb 5 or 6 situated opposite saidspring lamellae, as shown in particular in FIGS. 7 and 8, and in such away that, when the clamping unit 4 is fixedly clamped to the terminalpole 1, the spacing between the protective ribs 21 and the protectivelimb 20 or 19 situated opposite said protective ribs is equal to thespacing of the spring lamellae 8 to the clamping limb 5 or 6 situatedopposite said spring lamellae, as shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 7 shows an end view of the apparatus 17 shown in FIG. 6. It ispossible to see how the protective ribs 21 engage between the springlamellae 8. It can also be seen that, when the clamping unit 4 is notfixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1, the spacing between theprotective ribs 21, which are arranged on a protective limb 19 or 20,and the protective limb 20 or 19 situated opposite said protective ribsis smaller than the spacing of the spring lamellae 8, which are arrangedon a clamping limb 5 or 6, to the clamping limb 6 or 5 situated oppositesaid spring lamellae.

FIG. 8 shows an end view of the apparatus 17 shown in FIG. 6 in a freestate, in which the clamping unit 4 has not been mounted on or fixedlyclamped to the terminal pole 1. The apparatus 17 can be moved in thedirection of the arrow 23 in order to mount the clamping unit 4 onto theterminal pole 1.

FIG. 9 shows an end view of the apparatus 17 shown in FIG. 6 in a statein which it has been fixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1. Owing tothe physical contact that occurs here between the protective ribs 21 andthe terminal pole 1, the protective ribs 21 arranged on the oppositeprotective limbs 19 and 20 have been forced apart, with the protectivelimbs 19 and 20 and/or the web 22 being elastically deformed and with arestoring force being generated.

FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional illustration of a further exemplaryembodiment of an apparatus 24 according to the invention for producingan electrically conductive connection between two battery modules of abattery system (not illustrated in any more detail) of an electricallydriveable motor vehicle. The apparatus 24 comprises a clamping unit 4composed of metal, which clamping unit is fixedly clamped to theterminal pole 1 of the battery cell 2 of a battery module and isdesigned correspondingly to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6 to 9. Furthermore, theapparatus 24 comprises a housing 25, which housing is of U-shaped orC-shaped form, accommodates the clamping unit 4, is composed ofelectrically insulating material and has two elastically deformableprotective limbs 26 and 27, which are arranged parallel to one anotherand to the clamping limbs 5 and 6, and a web 28 which connects theprotective limbs 26 and 27 to one another. On each of the protectivelimbs 26 and 27, on a side of the protective limb 26 or 27 which facestoward the respective other protective limb 27 or 26, there are arrangedmultiple protective ribs 29 which run parallel to the spring lamellae 8and which engage in each case from the outside between two mutuallyadjacently arranged spring lamellae 8 in such a way that, when theclamping unit 4 is not fixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1, thespacing between the protective ribs 29 and the protective limb 27 or 26situated opposite said protective ribs is smaller than the spacing ofthe spring lamellae 8 to the clamping limb 5 or 6 situated opposite saidspring lamellae, as shown in FIG. 10 in the case of the protective limb27 illustrated on the right, and in such a way that, when the clampingunit 4 is fixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1, the spacing betweenthe protective ribs 29 and the protective limb 27 or 26 situatedopposite said protective ribs is equal to the spacing of the springlamellae 8 to the clamping limb 5 or 6 situated opposite said springlamellae, as shown in FIG. 10 in the case of the protective limb 26illustrated on the left. Owing to the physical contact of the protectiveribs 29 with the terminal pole 1, the protective ribs 29 arranged on theprotective limb 26 have been displaced, with the protective limb 26and/or the web 28 being elastically deformed and with a restoring forcebeing generated. Those ends of the protective ribs 29 which are avertedfrom the web 28 are connected to one another in each case by way of acommon connecting web 30 or 31.

FIG. 11 is a perspective quarter-section illustration of an exemplaryembodiment of an assembly 32 according to the invention for producing anelectrically conductive connection between two battery modules of abattery system 33 of an electrically driveable motor vehicle. Theassembly 32 comprises a cell connector 34, by way of which terminalpoles 1 of two battery cells 2 of a battery module are connected to oneanother in electrically conductive fashion. Furthermore, the assembly 32comprises an apparatus 35 for producing an electrically conductiveconnection between two battery modules of the battery system 33.

The apparatus 35 comprises a clamping unit 36 composed of metal, whichclamping unit is fixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1 of the batterycell 2 of the battery module and the design of which clamping unitsubstantially corresponds to the design of the clamping unit 4 shown inFIGS. 1 to 4 and 6 to 10.

The cell connector 34 comprises two connecting sections 37 and 38 whichare connected to one another and which are each of substantiallyM-shaped form in longitudinal section and which have in each case twoconnecting blades 39 and 40 which run parallel to the clamping limbs 5and 6, wherein the cell connector 34 is connected by way of theconnecting sections 37 and 38 to the terminal poles 1. The clamping unit36 and the cell connector 34 are designed such that the clamping unit 36is connected to the cell connector 34 by way of a clip-type connection.For this purpose, the clamping limbs 5 and 6 are, in a region adjoiningthe web 7, formed so as to be arched outward, with the connecting blades40 being designed so as to be arched outward complementarily thereto.

Between the terminal pole 1 and the cell connector 34 and/or between thecell connector 34 and the clamping unit 36, there may be arranged atleast one coating (not illustrated in any more detail) for reducing theelectrical transition resistance between the terminal pole 1 and thecell connector 34 and/or between the cell connector 34 and the clampingunit 36. The coating may be cohesively connected to the terminal pole 1and/or to the cell connector 34, and/or may be cohesively connected tothe cell connector 34 and/or to the clamping unit 36, respectively.

The assembly 32 furthermore comprises a housing 41 which accommodatesthe clamping unit 36 and which is composed of electrically insulatingmaterial and which has two elastically deformable protective limbs 42and 43 which are arranged parallel to one another and to the clampinglimbs 5 and 6. On each protective limb 42 and 43, on a side of theprotective limb 42 or 43 which faces toward the respective otherprotective limb 43 or 42, there are arranged multiple protective ribs 44which run parallel to the spring lamellae 8 and which engage in eachcase from the outside between two mutually adjacently arranged springlamellae 8 in such a way that, when the clamping unit 36 is not fixedlyclamped to the terminal pole 1, the spacing between the protective ribs44 and the protective limb 43 or 42 situated opposite said protectiveribs is smaller than the spacing of the spring lamellae 8 to theclamping limb 5 or 6 situated opposite said spring lamellae, and in sucha way that, when the clamping unit 36 is fixedly clamped to the terminalpole 1, the spacing between the protective ribs 44 and the protectivelimb 43 or 42 situated opposite said protective ribs is equal to thespacing of the spring lamellae 8 to the clamping limb 5 or 6 situatedopposite said spring lamellae. The lower ends of the protective ribs 44are connected to one another by way of a common connecting web 45.

The apparatus 35 furthermore comprises a protective section 46, whichprotective section is arranged on that side of the web 7 of the clampingunit 36 which faces toward the terminal pole 1 or the cell connector 34,which protective section is formed by a section of a cell contactingsystem 95, and which protective section is equipped, on each edge facingtoward a protective limb 42 or 43, with shock protection ribs 47. Theprotective ribs 44 engage between the shock protection ribs 47.

FIG. 12 shows a sectional illustration of a further exemplary embodimentof an assembly 48 according to the invention for producing anelectrically conductive connection between two battery modules of abattery system 33 of an electrically driveable motor vehicle. Theassembly 48 comprises a cell connector 49, by way of which terminalpoles 1 of two battery cells 2 of a battery module are connected to oneanother in electrically conductive fashion. Furthermore, the assembly 48comprises an apparatus 50 for producing an electrically conductiveconnection between two battery modules of the battery system 33.

The apparatus 50 comprises a clamping unit 51 composed of metal, whichclamping unit is fixedly clamped to the cell connector 49 and the designof which clamping unit substantially corresponds to the design of theclamping unit 4 or 36 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6 to 11.

The cell connector 49 comprises a connecting section 52 which is ofsubstantially M-shaped form in longitudinal section and which has twoconnecting blades 53 and 54 which run parallel to the clamping limbs 5and 6, wherein the cell connector 49 is connected by way of theconnecting section 52 to the terminal pole 1.

Between the terminal pole 1 and the cell connector 49 and/or between thecell connector 49 and the clamping unit 51, there may be arranged atleast one coating (not illustrated in any more detail) for reducing theelectrical transition resistance between the terminal pole 1 and thecell connector 49 and/or between the cell connector 49 and the clampingunit 51. The coating may be cohesively connected to the terminal pole 1and/or to the cell connector 49, and/or may be cohesively connected tothe cell connector 49 and/or to the clamping unit 51, respectively.

The apparatus 50 furthermore comprises a housing 55 which accommodatesthe clamping unit 51 and which is composed of electrically insulatingmaterial and which has two protective limbs 56 and 57, the latter beingarranged parallel to one another and to the clamping limbs 5 and 6, andwhich has a protective section 58, the latter running on that side ofthe web 7 of the clamping unit 51 which faces toward the cell connector49 and parallel to the web 7 of the clamping unit 51. On that side ofthe protective section 58 which faces toward the cell connector 49,there are arranged two protective projections 59 and 60 which runparallel to the protective limbs 56 and 57 and which extend as far asthe connecting section 52 and which render the clamping unit 51substantially inaccessible. The protective limbs 56 and 57 are connectedto one another by way of a web 96.

FIG. 13 is a perspective, partially sectional illustration of theassembly 48 shown in FIG. 12. The housing 55 of the apparatus 50interacts with a protective section 61 of a cell contacting system 62 ofthe battery system 33 in order to improve the shock protection action.

FIG. 14 is a sectional illustration of a further exemplary embodiment ofan assembly 63 according to the invention for producing an electricallyconductive connection between two battery modules of a battery system 33of an electrically driveable motor vehicle. The assembly 63 comprises acell connector 49 by way of which terminal poles 1 of two battery cells2 of a battery module are connected to one another in electricallyconductive fashion. Furthermore, the assembly 63 comprises an apparatus64 for producing an electrically conductive connection between twobattery modules of the battery system 33.

The apparatus 64 comprises a clamping unit 65 composed of metal, whichclamping unit is fixedly clamped to the cell connector 49 and the designof which clamping unit substantially corresponds to the design of theclamping unit 4, 36 or 51 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6 to 13. Each springlamella 8 of a clamping limb 5 or 6 has three sub-lamellae 74 which arearranged so as to run transversely with respect to the web 7, spacedapart from one another and parallel to one another.

The cell connector 49 comprises a connecting section 52 which is ofsubstantially M-shaped form in longitudinal section and which has twoconnecting blades 53 and 54 which run parallel to the clamping limbs 5and 6, wherein the cell connector 49 is connected to the terminal pole 1by way of the connecting section 52.

Between the terminal pole 1 and the cell connector 49 and/or between thecell connector 49 and the clamping unit 65, there may be arranged atleast one coating (not illustrated in any more detail) for reducing theelectrical transition resistance between the terminal pole 1 and thecell connector 49, and/or between the cell connector 49 and the clampingunit 65, respectively. The coating may be cohesively connected to theterminal pole 1 and/or to the cell connector 49, and/or may becohesively connected to the cell connector 49 and/or to the clampingunit 65, respectively.

The apparatus 64 furthermore comprises a housing 66 which accommodatesthe clamping unit 65 and which is composed of electrically insulatingmaterial, which housing has two protective limbs 67 and 68, which arearranged parallel to one another and to the clamping limbs 5 and 6, anda web 97 which connects the protective limbs 67 and 68 to one another.The protective limbs 67 and 68 are connected to one another by way ofmultiple protective ribs 69 which run transversely with respect to theprotective limbs 67 and 68, which protective ribs run on that side ofthe web 7 of the clamping unit 65 which faces toward the cell connector49. The clamping limbs 5 and 6 are of identical form and each havemultiple spring lamellae 6. On the cell connector 49 there are formedrecesses 70 which are open in the direction of the web 7 of the clampingunit 65 and which are in each case aligned with mutually oppositelysituated free spaces 71 between in each case two mutually adjacentlyarranged spring lamellae 8 of the clamping limbs 5 and 6, wherein eachprotective rib 69 runs through two free spaces 71 and through one recess70, as shown in FIG. 15. The protective ribs 69 are designed such thatthey form, on that side of the housing 66 which faces toward the cellconnector 49, a receptacle 72 which is arranged within a receptacle 73formed on that side of the clamping unit 65 which faces toward the cellconnector 49.

FIG. 15 is a perspective, quarter-section illustration of the assembly63 shown in FIG. 14. The apparatus 64 interacts with a protectivesection 75 of a cell contacting system 62 of the battery system 33 inorder to improve the shock protection action, wherein the protectivesection 75 has multiple ribs 76 which run parallel to the protectiveribs 69.

FIG. 16 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary embodimentof an assembly 77 according to the invention for producing anelectrically conductive connection between two battery modules of abattery system 33 of an electrically driveable motor vehicle. Theassembly 77 comprises a cell connector 49 by way of which terminal poles1 of two battery cells 2 of a battery module are connected to oneanother in electrically conductive fashion. The assembly 77 furthermorecomprises an apparatus 78 for producing an electrically conductiveconnection between two battery modules of the battery system 33.

The apparatus 78 comprises two clamping units 79 and 80 composed ofmetal, which clamping units can be fixedly clamped to the cell connector49 and are of identical form, and the respective design of whichclamping units substantially corresponds to the design of the clampingunit 4, 36, 51 or 65 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6 to 15, wherein theclamping units 79 and 80 each have a considerably narrower web 7 thanthe clamping units 4, 36, 51 and 65 described above.

The cell connector 49 comprises two connecting sections 52 and 81 whichare of substantially M-shaped form in longitudinal section and whichhave in each case two connecting blades 53 and 54, and 82 and 83,respectively, which connecting blades run parallel to the clamping limbs5 and 6, wherein the cell connector 49 is connected by way of theconnecting sections 52 and 81 to the terminal poles 1. In each case oneclamping unit 79 and 80 respectively can be fixedly clamped to theconnecting blades 53 and 54.

Between a terminal pole 1 and the cell connector 49 and/or between thecell connector 49 and at least one clamping unit 79 or 80, there may bearranged at least one coating (not illustrated in any more detail) forreducing the electrical transition resistance between the terminal pole1 and the cell connector 49, and/or between the cell connector 49 andthe clamping unit 79 or 80, respectively. The coating may be cohesivelyconnected to the terminal pole 1 and/or to the cell connector 49, and/ormay be cohesively connected to the cell connector 49 and/or to theclamping unit 79 or 80, respectively.

A clamping unit 79 or 80 of the apparatus 78 can be fixedly clamped toeach connecting blade 53 or 54 respectively. The clamping units 79 and80 are accommodated in a common housing 84 of the assembly 77. Eachclamping unit 79 or 80 is arranged between in each case two protectivelimbs 85 and 86, or 87 and 88, respectively, of the housing 84, whichprotective limbs are arranged so as to run parallel to the clampinglimbs 5 and 6 of the clamping units 79 and 80 and spaced apart from oneanother, wherein all of the protective limbs 85, 86, 87 and 88 of thehousing 84 are connected to one another by way of two common webs 89 ofthe housing 84. At that side of the webs 7 of the clamping units 79 and80 which is averted from the cell connector 49, the clamping units 79and 80 are connected to a contacting unit 90, by way of which theclamping units 79 and 80 can be connected in electrically conductivefashion to a flexible electrical conductor (not shown). The apparatus 78comprises a protective section 92 which is formed by a section of a cellcontacting system 91 and which can interact with the housing 84 in orderto improve the shock protection action. For this purpose, the protectivesection 92 comprises longitudinal ribs 93 which run parallel to theprotective limbs 85, 86, 87 and 88.

FIG. 17 is a perspective detail illustration of the assembly 77 shown inFIG. 16. For the sake of clarity, only the clamping units 79 and 80 andthe cell connector 49 are illustrated, wherein the clamping units 79 and80 are fixedly clamped to the connecting blades 53 and 54.

LIST OF REFERENCE DESIGNATIONS

-   1 Terminal pole-   2 Battery cell-   3 Apparatus-   4 Clamping unit-   5 Clamping limb-   6 Clamping limb-   7 Web-   8 Spring lamella-   9 Contacting region-   10 Contacting region-   11 Contacting region-   12 Apparatus-   13 Contacting unit-   14 Electrical conductor-   15 Housing-   16 Bead-   17 Apparatus-   18 Housing-   19 Protective limb-   20 Protective limb-   21 Protective rib-   22 Web-   23 Arrow-   24 Apparatus-   25 Housing-   26 Protective limb-   27 Protective limb-   28 Web-   29 Protective rib-   30 Connecting web-   31 Connecting web-   32 Assembly-   33 Battery system-   34 Cell connector-   35 Apparatus-   36 Clamping unit-   37 Connecting section-   38 Connecting section-   39 Connecting blade-   40 Connecting blade-   41 Housing-   42 Protective limb-   43 Protective limb-   44 Protective rib-   45 Connecting web-   46 Protective section-   47 Shock protection rib-   48 Assembly-   49 Cell connector-   50 Apparatus-   51 Clamping unit-   52 Connecting section-   53 Connecting blade-   54 Connecting blade-   55 Housing-   56 Protective limb-   57 Protective limb-   58 Protective section-   59 Protective projection-   60 Protective projection-   61 Protective section-   62 Cell contacting system-   63 Assembly-   64 Apparatus-   65 Clamping unit-   66 Housing-   67 Protective limb-   68 Protective limb-   69 Protective rib-   70 Recess-   71 Free space-   72 Receptacle-   73 Receptacle-   74 Sub-lamella-   75 Protective section-   76 Rib-   77 Assembly-   78 Apparatus-   79 Clamping unit-   80 Clamping unit-   81 Connecting section-   82 Connecting blade-   83 Connecting blade-   84 Housing-   85 Protective limb-   86 Protective limb-   87 Protective limb-   88 Protective limb-   89 Web-   90 Contacting unit-   91 Cell contacting system-   92 Protective section-   93 Longitudinal rib-   94 Apparatus-   95 Cell contacting system-   96 Web-   97 Web-   98 Apparatus

The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate theinvention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of thedisclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of theinvention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention shouldbe construed to include everything within the scope of the appendedclaims and equivalents thereof.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. An apparatus configured to produce an electricallyconductive connection between two battery modules of an electricallydriveable motor vehicle, wherein the apparatus comprises at least oneclamping unit composed of metal, wherein the at least one clamping unitis configured to be fixedly clamped to a terminal pole of a battery cellof a battery module or to a cell connector arranged on the terminal polethat connects the terminal pole to a terminal pole of a further batterycell of the battery module in an electrically conductive fashion. 20.The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the clamping unitcomprises one of a U-shaped and a C-shaped form, wherein the clampingunit has two clamping limbs and a web that connects the two clampinglimbs to one another, and wherein, when the clamping unit is fixedlyclamped to the terminal pole or to the cell connector, respectively, atleast one of the clamping limbs and the web is elastically deformed suchthat a restoring force is generated as a result of contact with theterminal pole or with the cell connector, respectively.
 21. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein at least one of the twoclamping limbs has at least two spring lamellae arranged to runtransversely with respect to the web, spaced apart from one another andparallel to one another.
 22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21,wherein at least one spring lamella has at least two sub-lamellaearranged to run transversely with respect to the web, spaced apart fromone another and parallel to one another.
 23. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 21, wherein, on at least one spring lamella, there is formed abead that runs in a longitudinal direction of the spring lamella. 24.The apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein, on at least two springlamellae, there is formed in each case at least one bead, wherein thespring lamellae differ from one another in terms of a shaping of theirrespective beads.
 25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein atleast one coating, arranged electrically between the terminal pole andthe clamping unit, is configured to reduce the electrical transitionresistance between one of the terminal pole and the clamping unit,between the terminal pole and the cell connector, and between the cellconnector and the clamping unit.
 26. The apparatus as claimed in claim20, wherein at least one protective section is arranged on a side of theweb of the clamping unit that faces toward the terminal pole or towardthe cell connector, respectively, wherein the at least one protectivesection is formed by a section of a cell contacting system, and whereinthe at least one protective section is at least partially provided withshock protection ribs at least at an edge facing toward a clamping limb.27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least onecontacting unit is connectable in an electrically conductive fashion tothe web of the clamping unit, and by which the clamping unit isconnectable in an electrically conductive fashion to a flexibleelectrical conductor.
 28. The apparatus as claimed in one of claim 21,wherein at least one housing accommodates the clamping unit and iscomposed of an electrically insulating material and has two elasticallydeformable protective limbs which are arranged parallel to one anotherand to the clamping limbs, wherein, on at least one protective limb, ona side of the protective limb which faces toward the respective otherprotective limb, there is arranged at least one protective rib whichruns parallel to the spring lamellae and which engages from the outsidebetween two mutually adjacently arranged spring lamellae such that, whenthe clamping unit is not fixedly clamped to the terminal pole or to thecell connector, respectively, the spacing between the protective rib andthe protective limb situated opposite said protective rib is smallerthan the spacing of the spring lamellae to the clamping limb situatedopposite said spring lamellae, and wherein, when the clamping unit isfixedly clamped to the terminal pole or to the cell connector,respectively, the spacing between the protective rib and the protectivelimb situated opposite said protective rib is equal to the spacing ofthe spring lamellae to the clamping limb situated opposite said springlamellae.
 29. The apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein at least twoprotective ribs which run parallel to the spring lamellae are arrangedspaced apart from one another on the protective limb, wherein ends ofthe protective ribs which are averted from the web of the clamping unitare connected to one another by at least one common connecting web. 30.The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, further comprising at least onehousing which accommodates the clamping unit and is composed of anelectrically insulating material and has two protective limbs arrangedparallel to one another and to the clamping limbs, and has at least oneprotective section which runs on that side of the web of the clampingunit which faces toward the cell connector and parallel to the web ofthe clamping unit, wherein at least one protective projection which runsparallel to the protective limbs is arranged on that side of theprotective section which faces toward the cell connector.
 31. Aconnecting device for producing an electrically conductive connectionbetween two battery modules of an electrically driveable motor vehicle,wherein the connecting device has at least one flexible electricalconductor and at least one apparatus, which is connected in electricallyconductive fashion to the flexible electrical conductor, wherein theapparatus comprises at least one clamping unit composed of metal,wherein the at least one clamping unit is configured to be fixedlyclamped to a terminal pole of a battery cell of a battery module or to acell connector arranged on the terminal pole that connects the terminalpole to a terminal pole of a further battery cell of the battery modulein an electrically conductive fashion.
 32. An assembly for producing anelectrically conductive connection between two battery modules of anelectrically driveable motor vehicle, having at least one cell connectorby way of which terminal poles of two battery cells of a battery moduleare connectable to one another in an electrically conductive fashion byway of an apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises at least oneclamping unit composed of metal, wherein the at least one clamping unitis configured to be fixedly clamped to a terminal pole of a battery cellof the battery module or to a cell connector arranged on the terminalpole that connects the terminal pole to a terminal pole of a furtherbattery cell of the battery module in electrically conductive fashion.33. The assembly as claimed in claim 32, further comprising at least onehousing which accommodates the clamping unit and which is composed ofelectrically insulating material and which has two protective limbsarranged parallel to one another and to the clamping limbs, wherein theprotective limbs are connected to one another by way of at least oneprotective rib which runs transversely with respect to the protectivelimbs and which runs on that side of the web of the clamping unit whichfaces toward the cell connector, wherein the clamping limbs are ofidentical form and each have spring lamellae, wherein, on the cellconnector, there is formed at least one recess which is open in thedirection of the web of the clamping unit and which is aligned withmutually oppositely situated free spaces between in each case twomutually adjacently arranged spring lamellae of the clamping limbs,wherein the protective rib runs through the free spaces and through therecess, and wherein the protective rib is configured such that it forms,on that side of the housing which faces toward the cell connector, areceptacle which is arranged within a receptacle formed on that side ofthe clamping unit which faces toward the cell connector.
 34. Theassembly as claimed in claim 32, wherein the cell connector has at leastone connecting section, which at least one connecting section is ofsubstantially M-shaped form in longitudinal section and which at leastone connecting section has two connecting blades which run parallel tothe clamping limbs and by way of which the cell connector is connectableto the terminal pole, wherein at least one clamping unit can be fixedlyclamped to at least one connecting blade.
 35. The assembly as claimed inclaim 34, wherein at least one clamping unit can be fixedly clamped toeach connecting blade, wherein the clamping units are accommodated in acommon housing of the assembly, wherein each clamping unit is arrangedbetween, in each case, two protective limbs, which run parallel to theclamping limbs of the clamping units and are arranged spaced apart fromone another, of the common housing, wherein all protective limbs of thehousing are connected to one another by way of a common web of thecommon housing.
 36. The assembly as claimed in one of claim 32, whereinat least one clamping unit and the cell connector are configured suchthat the clamping unit is connectable to the cell connector by way of aclip-type connection.